Two Sisters Musing Through the Literary World of Fantasy, Sci Fi, Historical Fiction and YA Books

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Filed under History & Lore …

At long last we’ve arrived at that wondrous day, which officially marks an end to Winter and the slow beginnings of Spring! Although it’s currently snowing outside, and I’m nestled under a blanket, in my studio in front of a smoldering fire AND my trusty space heater, I can’t help but frantically search the branches outside my … Continue reading →

In honor of St. Valentine, and International Book Giving Day, (frankly a holiday I can get much more easily behind), I’m posting this fantastic treasury from the Amelia Bloomer Project, recommended feminist literature for birth through 18 years and beyond. Curated by an Avengers-style Feminist task force, part of the American Library Association’s Social Responsibility Round … Continue reading →

Yay! We’re headed to Sweden today, the land of our ancestors. Can’t wait for cinnamon buns, strong coffee, bonfires on the Baltic, pine forests, cream colored castles, midnight sun, fried herring and so much more! Travel brings such inspiration. Where are you headed this summer to recharge?

Growing up like many of my fellow die hard readers, I came to have a bit of a ‘Matilda’ reputation with the elementary school librarians because I was one of the few 9 year olds with a penchant for biographies. I devoured these real life stories of men and women who’d composed symphonies, traveled the world, … Continue reading →

At first glance, white tea appears soft and delicate, and one doesn’t expect any surprises from this subtle blend. However, once brewed the White Peony tea takes on another character entirely, as if its true strength is only emboldened when tested with hot water. It gives off a floral aroma, but a rich taste of … Continue reading →

Isabelle Melançon (aka Secondlina) posted this amazing image she created on her blog recently; I would love to read about this character. Such a great idea: One of my favorite fairy tale figures is Baba Yaga, an old witch who lives in an enchanted forest, rides a mortar instead of a broom, lives in a … Continue reading →

Maid of Secrets comes out today, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on this engaging, historical tale that captured my imagination and made me long for a sequel. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC a few months ago, and as a dyed-in-the-wool history nerd, always on the alert for original perspectives from … Continue reading →

I started reading The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton, while I was hunkered down during an epic storm. It was the perfect book for the occasion, because it completely transported me from the howling winds and darkening rain clouds of modern day New York, to 19th century London, where a secret truce kept fairies and … Continue reading →

Growing up with a Swedish mother, my sister and I celebrated this quaint, Scandinavian holiday every year on December 13th. To us, Santa Lucia Day meant feasting on breakfast bread laced with cardamom and saffron, dressing up our American Girl doll, Kirsten, in her special Lucia outfit and parading her about the house, all whilst … Continue reading →